Meredith man faces arson charge in Landmark Inn fire in Laconia

LACONIA — Police have charged a Meredith man with arson in connection with a fire early Friday in the Landmark Inn, 480 Main St.

The fire in a fourth-floor hallway forced a temporary evacuation of the building while firefighters investigated and confirmed the fire was out.

After speaking with witnesses, police officer Patrick Lyons was able to identify Benjamin P. Luoma, 28, of 64 Pleasant St., Meredith, as a suspect. Lyons said Luoma admitted lighting a small towel on fire, which then ignited the hallway carpet.

Luoma was arrested and charged with arson, a felony, and was scheduled for arraignment later Friday in Circuit Court-Laconia District Division.